The Perception & Action Podcast

Explore the enduring consequences of concussions on athletes' movement coordination. Discover how even subtle past injuries can lead to significant motor deficits. A revealing study highlights diminished coordination in those with concussion histories, urging for better return-to-play evaluations. Listen in as experts discuss the implications for sports safety and athlete recovery.

A critical look at a follow-up study reveals no significant benefits of generalized perceptual-cognitive training in sports. The discussion highlights shortcomings in commonly used training methods, raising doubts about their effectiveness. It challenges the assumption that such training can enhance athlete performance, prompting a reevaluation of current coaching practices. Prepare for a thought-provoking analysis that questions the reliance on popular training approaches!

The discussion critiques the traditional reliance on averaged group data in understanding individual movement behaviors. It highlights how this method can mask important individual differences, particularly in sports analysis. The conversation dives into how personalizing insights can enhance coaching and performance. Real-world examples from sports like golf and jump landings illustrate the pitfalls of averaging, emphasizing the need to focus on unique movement patterns for effective skill development.

Discover the intriguing effects of focus of attention in MMA striking. The discussion highlights how external focus enhances performance with the dominant hand but falters with the non-dominant. Research findings from karate athletes showcase the power of different attention strategies. Listeners are taken through an exploration of how these insights can shape training and performance in mixed martial arts. It's a deep dive into the mind-body connection, revealing the nuances of striking precision.

Discover how athletes' past coordination experiences influence their ability to learn new motor skills. Delve into a study that highlights the significance of recognizing these prior experiences. A virtual shuffleboard challenge illustrates the impact of established coordination patterns on adapting to redundant motor tasks. Uncover the intricate relationship between what athletes have learned before and their performance in new challenges!

Discover the exciting concepts behind ecological coaching in a new book that blends theory with practice. The discussion dives into innovative coaching methods that focus on adaptability rather than traditional techniques. Learn about the shift in perspective from athlete skill acquisition to those who coach them, emphasizing the need for dynamic and flexible coaching frameworks. Get ready for a fresh look at improving coaching effectiveness through ecological dynamics!

Dive into the fascinating world of Active Inference Theory and its role in sports action control. Discover how athletes harness predictive models to anticipate dynamic events. The discussion shifts to baseball batting, examining how this model predicts pitches and its comparison to ecological dynamics. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of computational models in real-game scenarios, as experts advocate for a more practical approach in coaching athletes. Engage with the interplay between prediction errors and sensory feedback in the realm of sports.

Discover how predictive processing theory can transform sports practice design. The discussion highlights the importance of surprise and variability for skill development. Learn how athletes can develop internal models to better anticipate their actions and sensory feedback. There's also a critical look at blending various coaching theories and the need for practical training guidelines. Join the conversation on enhancing coaching effectiveness through a collaborative approach.

Randy Sullivan, a baseball skill acquisition expert, and Frans Bosch, a renowned authority on self-organization in sports, delve into the intricacies of training. They explore how self-organization shapes athletic performance, emphasizing the balance between individual constraints and anatomical principles. Learn about the critical role of invariants in pitcher training and why understanding the 'why' in coaching matters. Plus, get a sneak peek at the exciting agenda for the upcoming 2024 Baseball Skill Acquisition Summit, packed with innovative strategies for skill development and injury prevention.

Dive into the intricacies of constraints-led coaching, where the need for structured guidelines meets the realities of a flexible coaching framework. Explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding skill acquisition and coaching strategies. Discover insights into delays in upcoming ecological coaching literature and the speaker's dedication to integrating fresh research while fostering community support. It's a thought-provoking journey through the evolving landscape of coaching methodologies!